Regarding, “Boeing decision — who is to blame?”
The reaction of our elected federal, state and local politicians expressing shock, surprise and anger at the Boeing decision seems comical given the facts from the past.
Boeing announces that it is considering moving its headquarters and follows through with the move to Chicago. A collective hand-wringing followed the decision to move but no change was made to improve the state business climate.
Boeing announces that it intends to farm out the manufacture of many major parts for the new 787 to suppliers all over the world (a disastrous decision given the delays and quality issues that have surfaced) but it may have been their best option to bypass the unfriendly state business climate and the contentious Machinists union. Our political leaders take passing notice and do nothing to change the business climate.
Next the Machinists walk out on an ill-timed and ill-advised strike that delays an already late airplane and costs millions of dollars and strains the relationship with the company to the breaking point. Our political leaders join the Machinists on the picket line and/or verbally support their actions. Boeing decides to move a production line out of state and our leaders are shocked.
So who’s to blame? Certainly, our do-nothing elected leaders but it is really the people of Washington who are ultimately to blame. After all, the people keep returning folks from the same political organization to the same positions of power and leadership in Washington, D.C., and Olympia.
Robert Christman
Snohomish
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